VASTU GUIDELINES
INDEX
Vastu is an Art
Remedies and Solutions
Form (Size or Shape) of a Plot
Selection of Land
Selection of Land
Remedies and Solutions
Examination of Land
Construction
Construction
Remedies and Solutions
Building Construction
Apartments and Residential Complexes
House Planning and interiors
House Planning and interiors
Remedies and Solutions
Planning of Main Door
Main Entrance
Remedies and Solutions
Inauguration Of Land-Digging And Foundation
Inauguration Of Vaastu-Foundation
How to Dispel Vaastu-Faults
Without Breakage (Wear and Tear)
Nine Practical Remedies
Vastu is an Art
Vastu Vidya is one of the most valuable treasures. The word vastu means to dwell and vidya means science, so Vastu Vidya is the sacred science related to designing and building houses.
The classical literature on Vastu is vast and scattered. Vishwakarma Vastu Shastra, Mandana Sutradhar, Samarangana Sutradhar, Mayamatam, Brihat Samhita, several of the Puranas and Agamic work deal with the subject in great detail.
Vastu Shastra is directed at harmonising external space with the internal space within man. Vastu aims to restore the balance between the home that is the microcosm and the cosmos that is the macrocosm, bringing health, wealth and happiness.
According to Vastu, the external and the internal are interchangeable, such as wind or fire, are the same as those that control the organs of the human body. Vastu states that when buildings and forms echo the underlying cosmic principles, they become a part of the basic structure of the universe and vibrate in harmony with it. These positive vibrations have a direct effect on the inhabitants. They found that various energies that run around us in a particular pattern could be harnessed such that they resonated positively with the individual being or the people residing in the building to make their lives meaningful and harmonious.
Vastu contains the hidden key to realigning the home with cosmic principles such as solar energy, the movement of the celestial spheres, the magnetic field of earth, gravity and the influence of the moon and sun. It offers a holistic approach to the design and layout of houses.
Vastu Shastra advice should be solicited while selecting a plot or a house, while building a house or while carrying out any renovations, additional construction, expansion, restructuring of the house, shop or office. Vastu corrections can be helpful if you are facing problems like low sales, low profits, disputes, accidents in your office, factory or shop, or when you are facing problems like ill-health, marital problems, poor career growth and disturbances of family peace in your house.
The science of Vastu can be helpful even for these people by making simple corrections and changes in the interiors of the house leading to better energy flow and positivity in the house.
Vastu is for the betterment of mankind and brings love, peace, prosperity and contentment within a household. Vastu is much more relevant today than it was ever before. Traditional medical disciplines like Ayurveda lead to kaya kalpa, transformation of body, yoga and meditation lead to mana kalpa, the transformation of mind and Vastu Shastra shows the way to bhagya kalpa, the transformation of fortunes.
Remedies and Solutions
Vastudosha is a flaw or deficiency in the known characteristics of the eight directions. Remedial Vastu or corrective measures for any Vastu faults should be attempted only after a proper understanding of the fundamental rules of Vastu Shastra. The remedial can be divided into those applying to different stages of construction and can be implemented at either pre-construction stage or at post-construction stage.
At the pre-construction stage, the measures can be to rectify inauspicious shapes, slopes and depressions in the plot, observing proper pre-construction rituals, overcoming obstructions faced before construction or while construction.
Strictly followed, Vastu Shastra forbids demolitions/alterations or structural changes once the construction of a house is complete, deeming them to be a mutilation. At the post-construction stage, the corrective measures can be in the form of building additional structures, increasing the height of the building in relevant sectors, relocating the main entrance, etc. to balance the flow of energies in and around a structure. The measures at this stage also involve tackling obstructions and vedhas to the main entrance, Interior planning and proper distribution of elements in the interiors. In addition, the use of astrological remedies like mantra, yantra and planting of auspicious trees and herbs around the building can yield positive results. In many cases. People’s may be rich, living in a big house, but peace, happiness and good health elude them. The house they live in may be big, opulent and full of expensive things, but the usage is improper.
At times a change in fortunes happens when people carry out changes, renovations and extensions in the existing house or buy additional land adjacent to their property. Depending on the direction in which extensions are carried out the change can be for the better or for worse. As a rule, all extensions towards south, west, west, south-east or north-west of your site are considered inauspicious. Buy any additional land, which is to your north, east, or north-east.
At times you by a Vastu-perfect site or house but over a period of time, the area surrounding your house changes. A changing city or neighbourhood affects your fortunes. A tall building that comes up on your east blocks out sunlight. A nearby slum or a new temple on the same road as yours can spoil the vastu of your home. Suddenly increased traffic because of the road outside your house being connected to the main road, noise, smoke, blocked drains or shrinking parking space around your house, all affect the vastu of your home.
Sometimes a rising road in front of your house or shop can bring bad results. Over the years, roads are re-metalled so many times that their level becomes higher than the house or shop. The elevation of the
road can make the house look sunken. Most of the times this is very unlucky because Vastu Shastra says that land before a house or workplace should slope towards north and west facing plots and houses, Similarly, a newly constructed flyover in front of your office, shop or house can spoil your vastu as it blocks sunlight and air.
In certain cases like these, extreme measures like shifting home or workplace are the only options available. In certain cases, you may not have any control over any changes in your neighbourhood environment.
Fortunately, in most of the cases such extreme steps as selling off your house or property are not required. As mentioned earlier, Vastu followed rigidly does not allow alteration or structural changes after the construction is complete as it is considered a mutilation. In the modern context also, structural changes are resorted to only in extreme cases. A Vastu expert does not recommended demolitions when easy and practical changes can bring about necessary balance and harmony in a structure.
Simple remedies like changing the seating arrangement, opening a window, changing an entrance or shuffling rooms between the family members can bring about positivity, happiness and prosperity in a household.
Form (Size or Shape) of a Plot
Square plot: It imparts wealth, prosperity and well-being.
Rectangular plot: (Spoon-shaped wide and Equi-angular plot). It also imparts wealth and prosperity.
Circular plot: (Round-shaped) it imparts well-being.
Rectangular plot: (Spoon-shaped oblong and Equi-angular plot). Imparts wealth prosperity and well-being.
Hexagonal plot: (Six cornered plot). If dispels ill-omens and is beneficial.
Wheel-Shaped plot: (Octagon-having eight corners). It causes troubles.
Triangular plot: (Plot having three corners-Triangular plot). It is an inauspicious and causes losses to the owner.
Cart-shaped plot: It is an inauspicious plot, making the owner to run from pillar to post and vice-versa.
Double and Reversed Cart-shaped plot: (It resembles as if two carts are joined together in the reverse side). It makes the owner run hither and thither, does not let him enjoy everlasting tranquility, and is ominous.
Trapezium plot: (A Thatch-shaped plot that sieves grains). It destroys place and prosperity, and is an ominous plot.
Hand fan shaped plot: (Such plot resembles form of a hand fan). It renders the plot owner destitute.
Bow-shaped plot: (Resembling like a bow). It also renders the plot owner destitute.
Semi-circular plot: (Resembling half the portion of a circle). It is an ominous plot leaving the owner in mid-stream a state of helplessness.
Tambourine-shaped plot: (Resembling Indian musical instrument Tabla). The owner is rendered hollow like a drum from within.
Mridanga shaped plot: (An Indian musical instrument resembling a drum). It also renders the owner hollow as in a Tabla shaped plot.
Acute and Obtuse Angles
Qtadrangular (Four Cornered) Plots
A plot extending to North-West is ominous.
Crow-beak shaped
Entrance
Acute & Obtuse Angled Quadrangular
Any plot extending towards South-East is ominous. Vaayavaya N W E S
A plot tapered towards South is ominous. N
W E
A plot extended towards with East is ominous. N Ishanya
W E S
A plot extending to North-East is also ominous.
Ishanya N W E S
A tapered plot on North-West side, even if reduced in an angular form is auspicious. N Ishanya W E S
A plot extended towards North-West and also toward South-East is ominous. N W E S Agneya
A plot tapered on south-West direction is ominous. N W E S Nairitya
A plot extending towards South-West is also ominous. N W E S Nairitya
Diagonal plots which are situated at 90º angles, even if curved, are ominous. N N 90º 90º W E W E 90º 90º S S
Selection of Land
Any Building, whether residential, commercial or industrial, land (kshetra) is the basic requirement and utmost care should be taken in its selection. The site is a living, breathing organism. It is considered the womb and the structure above grows on it. The strength and weakness of the site have long lasting effects on the structure and the inhabitants. While selection of a plot of land given below.
• Land with low soil density, porous or marshy soil is not good for construction.
• Land which is fertile, has soil of good quality, of sweet smell and taste and not sandy or hollow, is considered very auspicious for construction.
• Land which emits positive vibrations is good. Stand at the centre of the site, close your eyes and concentrate on your thoughts and feeling calmly. A land emitting positive, peaceful and energising feeling and thoughts should be purchased.
• Square and rectangular plots are best. Plots with round, triangular, polygonal and other odd shapes may constantly lead one into some problem or the other. Avoid irregular shapes as far as possible. For rectangular plots, length of the plot should not be more than twice its breadth.
90º 90º 90º 90º 90º 90º 90º 90º
• Avoid plots in the shape of triangle, circle or oval and other irregular shapes.
Irregular Plots
• In case you possess land which is irregular in shape, then Vastu corrections must be carried out before construction.
• If you already own a plot of land and are considering buying additional land, avoid buying land that is to the south-west, south, west and south-east of your plot.
NW N NE Unfavourable extensions W E Favourable SW S SE extensions
Favourable and Unfavourable Extensions
Extensions are good in north, east and north-east directions only. • Avoid purchasing a smaller plot in between two bigger plots. Big Plot Small Big Plot
Plot Avoid buying a smaller plot between two bigger plots
• The plot should have slope towards north or east or north-east to ensure all-around prosperity and health.
NW NE Slope SW SE Slope of Land
• Avoid proximity to religious places, factories and places with a high noise level. Also avoid sites near burial grounds and cemeteries. • Sites with a growth towards north-east are auspicious.
N ···· ··· ·· · · · ··· ·· · North-east Extension
• North and east-facing plots are considered good for residential purposes.
Road
Road
• West-facing plots are good for commercial purposes. N Road West-facing Plot
• South-facing plots are considered good for commercial establishments dealing in food and entertainment business.
N
Road South facing Plot
• North-east corner sites are best.
Road N
Road
• Gomukhi plots are good for residential purpose but not as commercial plots. Road Gomukhi Plot
• Sher-mukhi plots are good for commercial purposes but inauspicious for residential purposes.
Road Sher-mukhi Plot
• Plots which have thrusting roads, i.e. roads which are pointing at the plot, have to be carefully analysed. Some of these roads have positive and some have negative energies.
• Big constructions, mountains, tress, etc. in south and west of the plot or building are good.
• River/Stream in north and east are good. The flow should be from south to north or from west to east.
• Water sources, wells, borewell, underground water tank in south, south-west and south-east are inauspicious.
• A temple in front, side or back of the plot is inauspicious especially if its shadow falls on the plot or building.
• Underground water sources like wells, borewells, underground water tanks are auspicious in north-east only.
• Vedha like big tree, electronic poles, open well or protruding corner of another house or building should not be directly opposite the site or house.
• Even though corner sites are preferred and are sold at a premium, Vastu advocates that caution be exercised in purchasing corner sites. Sites with roads on the north and east are best.
• Always go in for a plot which is oriented to the cardinal directions, viz. north, east, south and west.
• Avoid plots which are not oriented towards the cardinal directions. These are called vidisha plots. Vidisha plots can be balanced in case other factors related to selection of a plot like direction, surroundings and quality of soil, are favourable. Construction
should be parallel to the boundaries of the plot. Road N W E S Property Oriented Plot Road N W E S Vidisha Plot
• Plots which face a T-junction or Y-junction are considered inauspicious, as these roads point at the plot with lot of concentrated energy. Road T-junction Road Y-junction
Selection of Land
Remedies and Solutions
In case you have already purchased a plot of land and want to construct on it, or in case you are facing problems with the existing plot of land. Always remember that in today’s times it may be difficult, if not possible, to find land which is hundred per cent Vastu-perfect.
A decision regarding the purchase of land should be based on the cumulative assessment of all the merits or demerits of the plot. You must analyse the property from all angles and then decide whether to reject or purchase it.
The following remedies can help wherever Vastu doshas do exist. Problems and Disputes after Buying a Property
At times, after the purchase of a plot of land, the owner gets embroiled into numerous problems and disputes. Check the centre, south and south-west of the plot you have purchased for any Vastu faults like pits and depressions. Get the pits in these areas filled up and level the plot. Problems in Construction
In case you face problems before construction of land like undue delays, slow pace of construction work or obstruction of work for no valid reason, thoroughly till the land in the traditional way using plough and cattle. See if you can find hair, bones, nails and other negative things in the soil. Remove them, retill the land and perform Vastu Shanti Pujan in a good Muhurtha before starting construction work again.
Porous, Sandy or Inferior Quality Soil
The presence of animal wastes like bones, hairs and other inauspicious objects indicate unsuitable soil conditions. Soil condition is also considered bad if vermin and termites are present in the soil as these make the soil hollow.
If it is essential to construct on such a land, it is recommended to dig up and remove all the soil to a depth of 5 ½ to 6 feet and refill with big stones and good quality soil.
Faulty Slope of Land
Sites sloping towards east and north are considered auspicious and give all round prosperity and health. Land sloping towards south and west is inauspicious. Sites with depressions and pits in the centre, south and south-west are also considered very bad.
In case you want to construct on such a land, get the pits in south, south-west and centre filled up with good quality soil, level the plot or have the site sloping towards north or east.
Obstruction in Front of the Plot
Vedha like a temple, big trees, electrical poles, open well or protruding corner of another plot should not be in front of the site.
In case of any obstruction in front of the site, avoid placing the main entrance of the house exactly in front of the obstruction.
History of the House / Plot
Very often people buy houses and other properties without investigating the history of the occupants and the actual reason for sale. Every property has a history which stays with the space long after the occupants have gone. According the Vastu, you must find out the quality of life led by the previous owner as you would be living in the same aura and vibrations, which can lead you to a similar fate. Remember, the karma of the previous occupants linger. Therefore, you should avoid purchasing property which has been put under a distress sale or where perpetual sickness, premature deaths, bankruptcy or any other disaster has prevailed. In case the property you intend to buy has proved unlucky for the earlier occupants, then you need to negate the negative energies. It can be done by letting a cat inside the house, followed by wiping the floors with salt. Performing a Vastu shanti Pujan is highly beneficial. Burning mustard oil diyas near the doors and windows consumes the negative aura and is highly recommended.
Faulty Shape of Plot
According to Vastu, square or rectangular plots are considered best for residential or commercial purposes. Plots with inauspicious extensions, reductions or cuts need to be rectified and balanced as per the following guidelines.
N Road Cut in NE and NW
Separate as per the dotted line so that three separate plots emerge. Make the main entrance in south of south-east.
N Road Cut in NE and NW
Separate as per the dotted line so that two separate plots emerge. Make the main entrance in south of south-east.
Road Road
Cut in NW and SW
Separate the western portion as per dotted line. Make the entrance in east of north-east. A’ B’ A B D C’ C Cut in NE
Separate as per dotted line and make the plot rectangular either as A’ B’ C’ D’ or A B C D. Another option would be to buy additional land in the north-east portion so that the plot becomes rectangular. N
SE
Extended ESE and Cut in ENE
Plots extended in east of south-east have unfavourable results like disputes, heavy expenses, losses and ill-health. Separate the extended portion as per the dotted line. Plots with south of south-east extensions are bad. The negative effects are litigation, undue expenditure and defame. Separate the extended portion as per the dotted line.
N
Extended SSE and Cut in SSW
Plots with extensions in south of south-west give financial losses,
defamation, loss of health and accidents. Separate extended portion as per the dotted line.
N
Extended SSW and Cut in SSE
Plots with extensions in west of south-west are inauspicious as they lead to loss of wealth and disputes. Separate the extended portion as per dotted line.
N
Extended WSW and Cut in WNW
Plots with extensions in west of north-west are inauspicious as they lead to fear from enemies and fear from authority, loss of vehicles and poverty. Separate the extended portion as per the dotted line.
N
Extended WNW and Cut in WSW
Plots with extensions in north of north-west are unfavourable with effects such as financial losses, theft, disputes and increase of enemies. Separate the extended portion as per the dotted line.
N
Extended NNW and Cut in NNE
A cut in south-east leads to marital tension and clashes. Separate the extended portion as per either of the dotted lines.
N
Cut in SE
A cut in south-west corner is very inauspicious. The inmates suffer due to physical and mental disorders. Rectify to make a square or
rectangular shape.
N
Cut in SW
If cut in north-west corner extends the north-east but extends west also, it is advisable to rectify as per the dotted line.
N
Cut in NW
Triangular plots are inauspicious as they generate negative energy and are problematic. Avoid buying a triangular plot or rectify it such that the plot becomes square or rectangular.
Rectification of Triangular Plot
To minimise the inauspicious results because of unfavourable extensions in the plot, construct a wall of about four feet from the ground to separate the extended portion as shown by the dotted lines in the above illustration. This will make the plot square or rectangular. The cut off area can be used differently depending on its location. For example, if the area to be cut off is in south or west make a store room there or plant heavy trees. In case the cut off portion is in north or east use it for open parking or have a small lawn or fountain there.
Roads Thrusting into A Site
Roads which thrust into a site at either east of south-east/south of south-west/west of south-west or north of north-west are considered inauspicious. Road
WNN N
Road WSW ESE Road SSW
Road
Inauspicious Veethi shoolas
Sites with roads thrusting from all these directions are very inauspicious. The owner, in such cases, is always under stress. This type of plot is very difficult to rectify and should not be purchased.
To overcome the negative effects of inauspicious roads which point straight at a site the following points can be kept in mind:
• Compound doors should not be constructed at the place where inauspicious roads
meet the plot.
• Construct the main door only in prescribed grids.
• Compound walls where these roads meet the plot should be thick and high.
• Construct a C-shaped wall (C pointing towards the thrusting road) at least three feet high from the ground where the inauspicious roads meet the plot. This will repel the negative energy directed at the site.
• The space or the corner of the plot where these roads meet the plot can be separated from the main building to make a shop or an office. Entrance for this shop or small office can be from outside. Separate or sell the portion as per the dotted line.
N
ESE
Examination of Land
Which means that the land that is studded with good smell is Brahmanic, that which smells like blood is khshatriya, which smells like food grains Vaishya and the one that spirituous liquor is Shudra? So, it can be deduced that earth is of four types viz, Brahmani, Khshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
Brahmani Land: It consists of pleasing smell whose soil is white in appearance, has sweet water and sacrificial grass.
Khshtriya Land: Such land is red, with red soil, heavy grass and alkaline.
Vaishya Land : It is green with green soil, sourish and with long reed. Shudra Land : It is black soiled land, with liquorous odour, is better and consists
of all types of grass.
According to sages of yore, the best form of land is that which is white (red coloured) yellow, neighing like horses and roars of animals, consists of six types of taste, is uniform in colour, replete with live stock, food grains and gives out lotus smell, divested of pebbles and rind, protruded (raised up) towards South or West side, bound by rivine boundary, fragrant, devoid of sharp objects and bones where seeds don’t get dehydrated.
According to Brahmayaamal and ‘Narpatijayacharyaswarodaya’ books, land has been classified into following types on the basis of Ayan.
(1) Odare (2) Jalandhari (3) Poorna Land (4) Kamaravya (5) Kolapuri (6) Ekbeera (7) Silindhra (8) Mahamari (9) Khshetrapali (10) Vanshakha (11) Rudralloo (12) Kalanah Level (13) Niramaya (14) Jayalakhshmi
(15) Mahalakhshmi (16) Jaya (17) Vijaya (18) Bhairvi (19) Bala (20) Yogeshwari (21) Chandi (22) Yaam (23) Bhumbhuka (24) Kartari (25) Shardali (26) Shinghali (27) Tanvi (28) Mathamaya (29) Maheshwari (30) Devakoti (31) Shiva (32) Shakti (33) Dhoomra (34) Mana (35) Varaatika (36) Trimunda (37) Matasari (38) Dharma (39) Mrita (40) Srishti (41) Khshamakhya (42) Durabhi (43) Prahraa (44) Gauri Kaali (45) Naarhari (46) Balaa
(47) Bhoori Khechari (48) Grihaa (49) Draadashi (50) Kevalaa (51) Trailokya Vijaya (52) Vishti (53) Kaalapaasha (54) Karaalika (55) Vadhva (56) Badhadaadwi (57) Aparaajita (58) Raudari (59) Vaamlochi (60) Shishu
(61) Maatang (62) Amedhya (63) Dahani (64) Jitaa (65) Vaayuv (66) Varga (67) Kapaalika (68) Analaaneelaa (69) Chandra-Surya (70) Grah (71) Raashi (72) Lagna (73) Raahukalanal (74) Swara (75) Trikal (76) RikashRahu
Construction
Observance of pre construction rituals and cleansing of soil by Vastu Pujan is necessary to get rid of any negative energies accumulated in the plot of land. As per Vastu Shastra any structural changes and demolition are considered a mutilation once construction is complete. Compliance to the following rules of construction as per Vastu Shastra can help in reducing a lot of problems later on as well as help in a safe, efficient and speedy construction process, thereby saving both time and money.
• Prepare the site as per Vastu Shastra before commencing construction. Clean the site of all inauspicious objects.
• Pits, depressions and wells located in inauspicious portions of the site should be filled up and land surface should be levelled. The construction will proceed at a faster speed in a plot cleansed and purged as per Vastu Shastra.
• Construction should begin after proper Vastu Pujan and offerings to the site deities are made.
• The first digging of land should be done either by the master of the house and / or the chief mason at an auspicious time set by a learned astrologer.
• Construction activity should not be started if any female member of the family is in her sixth or above month of pregnancy, or if any member is seriously ill.
• Digging of the soil for laying the foundation should be in the following order: north-east sector, then north-west sector, then south-east and then south-west sector.
• Laying of the foundation should be in the reverse order, i.e. first south-west sector, then south-east, then north-west and lastly north-east.
• A water source on the site should be dug as soon as the proper prayers are performed. A well, borewell, underground water tank or pond or a swimming pool should preferably be placed in the north of north-east.
• Care should be taken to dig the well or tank in such a manner that energy lines do not cross the well or the water body.
N ·· · · · · · · Main · · · Building
W This zone should E be avoided for digging well S N N W E W E
S S N N
W E
W E
S S
• A water body or source should be in the east or north-east of the plot. Having a water body in the south-east or south of the house can cause damage to the child or wife of the owner. An underground water tank in the south-west can be fatal to the head of the family.
• The trenches for the walls should be dug from north to south and east to west.
• All the four sides of a building should have a fencing wall. Best house are always situated inside a compound and not on the side of the road.
• Have the compound walls on the south and west higher and thicker then the north and east walls.
• The building material, bricks, stones, sand, etc. should be placed in the south-west of the plot. The steel reinforcement bars should be stored in the west. Sanitary pipes and fittings should be placed in the north-west corner of the plot.
• Every night lighting a bulb on the highest point of the construction, which should be south always, will symbolically raise the energy. It can finish the construction in record time.
• Use new construction material for a fresh construction. Second-hand building material like bricks, stone, iron, and used wood (used door and window frames) should not be used in construction of a new house. Old/Used material can be used while renovating the house.
• Demolition of old houses should start from north-east and demolished materials should be deposited only in south or west portion of the site.
• The north-east corner of the outer wall of the house or of a compound wall should not be rounded.
• Flooring of the house should be in such a way that it facilitates flow of water from south-west to north-east.
• The septic tank should not be in the south-east, north-east or south-west corners of the plot. Pit for the septic tank should be in the north of north-west or west of north-west only.
• The main building should be constructed in the south-west of the plot leaving more open space in north and east. More open space in north or east gives name, fame and prosperity to the residents. Leaving more open space in south and west side of the house can effect the male members adversely, whereas in a factory, it leads to financial losses and disputes amongst partners.
• Depression in south-west can result in serious illness to the residents, whereas depression in north-west causes enmity and litigation. The depression in south portion of the building restricts growth, besides creating financial problems.
• South side of the building should always be higher than the north. This gives good health and prosperity to the residents. In case the north is higher than the south it results in ill health and losses. South West
North East
Building Building
Relative Height of Building in Different Directions
• West portion of the building should be higher than the east for favourable growth of children. A lower west leads to problems to and from children.
• South-west should be higher than north-east for all-round prosperity and good health. A higher north-east causes severe ill health and loss of prosperity for the owner.
• Religious places, palaces, conference halls, monuments and public places can have uniform height in all directions.
• The central portion or brahmasthan should not be depressed. Heavy objects, wells, lifts and toilets are totally prohibited in the brahamasthan.
• Ancient works on Vastu identify certain vulnerable points (marmasthan) in the site and any construction, wall, columns, beams, doors, pegs and nails are prohibited on these sensitive
points. Careful handling of marmasthans while constructing can avoid lot of problems later on.
• There should be no construction of outhouse, garage, portico, etc. by taking the support of the compound wall or main building in north-east, south-east or the north-west directions.
• It is always better to build both the compound floor and the structure above the road level. The foundation for the compound floor should be at least two feet above road level. The structure itself can be at least two feet above the ground level. This is two safeguard against any rise in road level over the years by frequent remetalling of the road.
• To let in sufficient air and light, at least 30 percent of house walls should have doors and windows. More windows should be kept towards north and east side of the house.
• Balconies or terraces should be in north and east sides.
• Split levels are not recommended by ancient works on Vastu. Some modern scholars believe that to strengthen nairutya, the south-west room should be higher.
• Under no circumstances the rooms in south-west, south-east or the centre be sunken or lower than the level in north-east.
Construction
Remedies and Solutions
In case you find that your house or workplace has certain Vastu faults and is giving bad results, certain rectificatios can be done by proper load distribution in certain sectors to bring balance into the plot and the structure.
Trees and plants, beneficial for ecology and environment can also be used in correcting Vastu-dosha. The beneficial trees as per Vastu Shastra can be used to provide balance and heaviness to faulty sectors.
Vastu lays great emphasis on leaving more open space in the north-east sector and less open space in the south-west sector. The least possible load should be in the north-east direction.
By establishing the earth element in the south-west direction, the positive energies of north-east are boosted due to the enhanced gravitation in the south-west. To offset the faults in the construction in case of big margins in south and west directions or higher construction in north and east, following remedies and corrections can be effective: • Avoid any openings like doors and windows towards the south
direction.
• Provide thicker and higher compound walls on the south and west directions.
• Plant heavy and big trees as per Vriksha-Vichar, i.e. auspicious trees for each direction as per Vastu Shastra.
• Leave less open space towards south and west directions.
• Construct an additional structure towards south-west, south and west of the plot. The floor of this construction should be higher than the main building. For example, if your main building is situated in the north-east of the plot, you can remedy the situation by having additional construction.
N
Main building
W ES
The height of this additional construction should be more than the height of the main building.
N Main building W E
New construction S Rectification
• In case of higher construction in the north and east constructing extra floor on the south side with terraces towards the north and east can overcome the Vsatu-dosha.
• In case of water bodies situated in wrong directions, close and fill up any borewells, and underground water tanks on the south, south-east and south-west sides. Shift the underground water tanks to the north-east zone.
• Elevating the plinth level of the south side rooms is beneficial. • Place heavy furniture, cabinets and loads in the south and
south-west sides.
• Elevating the south and south-west zones by construction of heavy stone pillar in the corner with height in excess of average compound wall can provide necessary heaviness in case of major construction in the north-east.
• The loading of the south-west zone can also be increased by creating a rock garden and using heavy stones in landscaping.
• A thick and high wall in the north and east is a Vastu defect. Creating openings in these walls in the form of windows and
placement of doors/grills and making south and west walls thicker will remedy the situation.
• Any pits, waterlogging and lower level of floor in south-west and south causes financial problems and loans. Filling up of pits and correcting the slope towards north-east will remedy and ease the situation immediately.
• More openings like windows, doors and balconies in the south and west directions as compared to north and east of the house should be closed or at least covered with thicker curtains and blinds.
Windows/Ventilators and Balconies
In any structure, be it residential or commercial, it is advisable to keep more open space in north and east. To let in sufficient air and light, 30 percent of a home’s walls should have doors and windows. More windows should be kept in the north and east side of the main building. After deciding about the entrance, place windows in the positive energy sections. The windows in any structure provide pure air, ventilation and light.
Balconies should be in the north and east sides. Balconies in the south and west provide harmful rays of afternoon and evening sun. Heavy curtains can be used for south and west doors and windows and lighter ones for north and east doors and windows. Windows should be open inwards and should preferably have two shutters.
Balconies to the west can be closed and turned into a small storeroom or a toilet. Do not close the balconies in the east and north. In case you want to enclose them, enclose them only with grills. Do not keep heavy goods in the balconies in north and east. Ideally keep the balconies open or keep pots for storing water there. Do not store water in the balconies which are in the south-east.
Levels of the Floor
Split levels inside the building are not recommended by the ancient works. Brihat Samhita absolutely disallows split level construction. It mentions that if one wishes to have prosperity, one has to raise the level of the floor uniformly on all sides. Some modern scholars believe that to strengthen nairutya, the south-west rooms should be higher. Under no circumstances the rooms in south-west, south-east or the centre be sunken or lower than the level in north-east. It is best to have all the rooms on the same level.
Basements/ Cellars
As far as possible, it is better to avoid basements especially in a residential building – since the houses should always be on a higher level than the road. In olden days residents of palaces built on hillocks used to enjoy strength, stability and luxuries of life. However, when houses are used both for residential as well as commercial purposes basement can be made in east, north and north-east sector and used for storage and parking.
If the basement is to be used for business purposes, use it as a store. If business is conducted from a basement only 60 percent benefits are obtained in spite of best efforts.
Basement get little light and even less fresh air the reason being that basement have skylights near the ceiling which are rarely opened as they are difficult to reach. Basements have another fault. Sound magnifies in a basement. A noise which sounds a whisper at ground level sounds loud underground. It is observed that persons spending too much time in the basement become dull, lethargic and irritable.
Vastu regards basements as a bad omen because they form a hollow beneath our feet. Our health and happiness depend on the earth under us being solid. At any cost, the residence should not be in the basement. Basement in the north, east and north-east part can be used for water storage or for a borewell. These days jet pumps are also installed in the basements. Whenever arrangement of water is made in the basement it should only be in the north-east. If the basement is required for the entire floor, make sure that the floor level of the basement is uniform. A height equal to or less than the ground floor is generally recommended. Basement should have light colours. Blue colour must not be used in a basement.
Building Construction
As indicated in the diagrams, given below the thickness (breadth) and height of walls in the South and West sides should be more than those of the walls in the North and East sides.
• Thickness of the walls on the east and North is less than the thickness of the walls in the West and South.
N
S
• The construction work should be started from the South-West angle, and then it should first be extended towards the South-East and North-west and at a later stage, the same should be extended from the South-East towards the East and from the North-West towards the North-East.
Basement\ Underground Parts/Cellars
• As is clear from the diagram, an appropriate place, for underground construction is indicated in the Eastern half field (in dark colour).
N
S
• The indicated in the Northern half field is a suitable place for
underground construction.
N
S
• Black marked portion indicates the North-East field which is also suitable for underground construction.
N · · · · · · S
• If an equal vacant portion is left vacant on all the four sides, it is suitable for being used as a construction side in the middle portion.
• If more vacant area is left in the North and East sides than in the South and West sides, it is also an acceptable position for construction. · · · · · · · · · ·
• It indicates Hiranya Trishal position on Vaastu (Modified) which implies suitable a hiranya (Golden) construction of three internal parts. N · · · · · · · · · S
• It is called ‘Sukhshetra Vaastu’ which bestows wealth and sons. This is also a suitable place for three internal parts.
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
CHULLI TRISHUL VAASTU (Destroyer of Wealth)
• Chulli Trishul Construction of three internal parts causes financial losses. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · • Pakhshaghana Trishal Vaastu – Such a construction of three
internal parts destroys male issues and also precipitates enmity.
N
S • Sidhartha Dwishal Vaastu – If construction of two internal parts
is undertaken, it will augur well for wealth gain.
• Yamasurya Dwishal Vaastu – Such a construction of two internal
parts is liable to cause house owner’s death.
• Danada Dwished Vaastu – Which means that punishment or assassination will ensure if two internal parts are constructed.
N
S
Apartments and Residential Complexes
These days due to shortage of land and spiraling prices of real estate in the big cities and metros, buying land and constructing a house as per Vastu remains a dream for most of us. Many people living in flats and apartments wonder whether they can be benefited by Vastu. Vastu is as useful for those who live in flats and apartments as it is for anyone else.
By using Vastu in your apartment, you will be able to live in harmony with nature. This will bring you increased contentment, happiness and abundance in every aspect of daily life. By using Vastu, you will be able to feel more ‘at home’ in your apartment. When we harmonise and balance our home environment, we feel happier, healthier and more successful in every part of our lives.
In this section we will deal with
(i) The general Vastu rules as applicable for the plots where apartments have to be constructed.
(ii) Selection of apartments based on Vastu principles.
(iii) Providing Vastu strength to the interiors of the selected apartments. Selection of Plot and Construction
The Vastu rules regarding selection of plot and construction can be followed by the builder to ensure a trouble-free and speedy construction. This also translates into quicker sales and profits.
• Plots where apartments and flats have to be constructed should fulfil the criterion enumerated in section on selection of land.
• Plot should be regular in shape, preferably square or rectangular. • Any inauspicious reductions or extensions should be rectified. • Brahmasthan of the plot should be open and clean. Have a temple
or a park for the residents in this area. Underground water tank, swimming pool and lifts / elevators should not be in the brahmasthan.
• Plot should be oriented towards the cardinal directions.
• Main entrance gate / compound gate should be in the auspicious locations depending on the roads facing the plot. The auspicious
locations for compound gates are east of north-east, north of north-east, south of south-east and west of north-west. Never have the entrance gate in south or west of south-west.
• Security personnel at the main gate should face east or north direction.
• There should be no obstruction like an electric pole, tree or temple in front of the compound gate. Compound gate should not face an inauspicious veethi shoola.
• Keep open space in the north-east. Water supply line, booster pump, underground water reservoir, boring, well, swimming pool can be constructed in the north-east sector of the plot.
• Lawns, plants, open parking can be arranged in the north, east or north-east of the plot. Big trees can be in south, west and south-west of the plot.
• Swimming pools in west and health clubs / gyms can be in east in residential complexes.
• As far as possible, the apartment or flat building should not be L-shaped. If the building is L-shaped, it should be towards south and west of the entire plot so that the benefit of positive energies from north and east are obtained for better health and prosperity. Keeping the north and east more open and lighter than south and west of the plot results in ample benefits for the residents. L-shaped building where more construction is towards the north and east and either the south-west, south-east or north-west are open give harmful results.
• In case of U-shaped buildings, construction should be done so that north and north-east or east and north-east are kept open. The Hiranya trishala and Sukshetra trishala are considered auspicious.
N N
W E W E
S S Hiranya Trishala (Auspicious) Sukshetra Trishala (Auspicious)
Trishala Houses (Auspicious) N N W E W E S S
Chulli Trishala Pakshagana Trishala (Inauspicious) (Inauspicious) Trishala Houses (Inauspicious)
The Chulli trishala and Pakshagana trishala are considered inauspicious because here the north and east directions are blocked and the inauspicious directions like south and west are open.
• Overhead water tank of the apartment and building should be towards the west. The overhead water tank should not be in the north-east, south-east corner or in the centre position.
• General guidelines discussed in earlier sections about the internal placement of various rooms, main entrance depending on the direction faced by individual apartments, water sources, taps,
slopes within the apartments should be adhered to as much as possible.
• A generator / back-up power supply room should be in the south-east of the plot. Electric switch boards of individual apartments can be in the south-east on the ground floor.
• Avoid staircases in the central area of the total apartment block. Selection of Apartment
The fundamental rules while evaluating flats are the same as those which come into play while evaluating independent houses. As people wanting to buy apartments have no control over the factors governing the selection of land for the apartments, use some of the guidelines like shape of building, compound gates, position of water tank, open space around the building and general layout of the complex for the first round of elimination.
The following points should be kept in mind while selecting the apartments:
• Your apartment should be regular in shape. Square and rectangular shapes are good. L or C-shaped apartments should be avoided.
• There should be no obstruction to the main entrance of the apartment.
• Surroundings of the apartment should be aesthetically pleasing. Healthy looking plants and trees, lush green lawns and brightly coloured flower beds benefit all the residents of the complex.
• The elevators, staircases and corridors should be well lit and generous in size. Narrow, gloomy and badly lit corridors and stairs have negative effect.
• Stairs, elevators should not directly face the main entrance of the apartment.
• The main entrance should not be in the south of south-west, west of south-west, east of south-east or north of north-west.
• Staircases for all apartments and flats should be in south-west, south or west. As an alternative, staircases can be in the
north-west or south-north-west. Avoid stairs in north-east, east and north. This is applicable even for internal stairs in duplex apartments. • Flats with main entrance in the north of east, east of
north-east, south of south-east and west of north-west are auspicious. Avoid flats with main door in south or west of south-west and east of south-east.
• Select the apartments where north-east is open or you are getting the benefits of a north-east corner. The best flats in each block of four apartments are the ones in the north-east corner of the block marked A, B, C and D. N A W D B E Park C S
• The master bedroom is in south-west, kitchen in south-east or north-west, entry in auspicious directions and there are more openings in north and east.
Kitchen Living Room Main Entrance Master Kitchen Bedroom Interiors of Apartment
• Make sure that the toilet and bathroom are not in the centre of the apartment.
• Kitchen or toilet should not be in the north-east or in the centre of the apartment.
• For parking of vehicles, generally the ground floor or the underground room of the flat or apartment is used. The underground room should be in the east or north and not in the south or west.
• Flats with balconies in the north and east are best. Avoid flats which have balconies only in south or cover them with thick blinds. • As far as possible avoid purchasing flats which have bathrooms in
the south-west and the south-east corner, because it is not easy to change the position of bathroom in an apartment.
Strengthening the Interiors
People who live in flats or apartments providing Vastu strength to the interiors of the apartments is more relevant than the Vastu outside. This is because more often than not they have no control over the out side Vastu but do have control over what happens inside their flats.
Keep the following points in mind while planning the interior of individual apartments.
• Main entrance should be well lit and appear welcoming.
• Keep the clutter to a minimum. Avoid crowding rooms with too much of furniture and artifacts. The apartments should appear cheerful, spacious and aesthetic.
• The front door should open inwards. Have a threshold, especially for the main entrance.
• If the front door opens into a tiny or narrow lobby area use mirrors on one side to visually double the size of the lobby.
• If the front door is directly facing a toilet, keep the door of the toilet closed at all times and hang a mirror outside the door of the toilet to symbolically make it disappear.
• Allow plenty of light and air into all rooms, even the ones not used regularly.
• Do not sit, sleep or work under overhead beams.
• Arrange the furniture in such a way that the north and east as well as the brahmasthan of the rooms are kept light and free. Have heavy furniture in the south, west and south-west of the rooms. Lighter furniture can be kept in the north and east of each room. • Keep beds in the south-west sector of the bedrooms. Keep head
towards south.
• Study tables should be placed in a way that children are facing north and east while studying.
• Have lofts and attics in the south and west side of the rooms.
• Cupboards containing cash, jewellery, cheque books and valuables should be kept in south so that they open towards north.
• Paintings depicting negative aspects of life like violence, terror, cruelty, poverty, death, weeping women should be avoided in the house.
• The lack of space generally makes it impossible to have a separate puja room in a flat. In case of a big apartment, separate puja room can be made in the north-east. Avoid puja room in bedrooms and living-room. A north-east corner in the study room, kitchen or dining room can be selected for this purpose.
• Flowers and plants encourage positive energy in a house. Potted plants and freshly cut flowers are best for people in apartments. Artificial flowers can also be used but make sure that they are clean and well dusted.
• Aquariums and small indoor fountains can be used in the north-east or north of the apartment, as they symbolize wealth and aboundance.
House Planning and interiors
Classical works on Vastu have divided a residence into various parts. Different rooms have been assigned in different directions for specific purposes. A general overview of a house consists of a prayer room in north-east, bathroom in the east, kitchen in south-east and bedroom in south direction. In the modern context, the following placement of various rooms gives a lot of options for the planning of a house as per Vastu guidelines. A number of permutations and combinations can emerge from this, depending on the size of the house and the accommodation which suits the requirements of individual families.
The following house planning and interior planning can help restore balance and harmony even when the selection of land and construction are not exactly as per Vastu Shastra.
• All rooms should be square of rectangular in shape. L-shaped or irregularly shaped rooms should be avoided. Do not construct kitchen, toilets and puja room next to one another.
• The kitchen should not be directly in front of the main door.
• Keep all electrical/heat-generating appliances in then south east sector of the room.
NW N NE Store for Grain Treasury Room, Pooja Room, Washing Place, Medicine Room, Verandah, Toilet/Bath- Study Room, Sitting Room, room, Septic Strong Room, Portico
Tank, Garage, Living Room Guest Room
Dining Room, Open Bathroom, Children’s, Courtyard/ Children’s
W Bedroom, Living Room Study Room, E Study Room Store for Fluids Like, Ghee, Milk Master Bed - Bedroom, Kitchen, Garage, Room, Store, Storeroom Electric Motor Stairs
SW S SE House Plan as per Vastu
• Keep no broken mirrors in the house.
• Mirrors, sinks, washbasins and taps should preferably be along the north-east walls.
• The safe should open towards the north or east. So, keep it along the south or west.
• The toilet seat should preferably be along the north-south axis. The septic tank can be in the north-west or the south-east corner of the house.
• Avoid having garage, dump, streetlight pole or boulders in front of the main gate or door.
• The number of doors and windows should be more on the ground floor and less on the upper floors.
• The north-east corner is the face of the house and should always be kept clean
• While swabbing the floor with any disinfectant a little sea salt or rock salt should be added.
• Students should study facing north or east. • Do not sit, work or sleep under a beam.
• Do not hang pictures and paintings of war, crime, unrest, agony or distress in the house.
• Grow a tulsi or basil plant in front of the house.
• Do not have thorny plant or cacti in the house. Have them outside the boundary of the house.
• Rainwater or drainage should have an outlet in the north, east or north-east.
• Elderly people are more comfortable in the south west corner of the house.
• Grihpravesh ceremony should be performed in a good muhurtha before shifting in a new house.
• Do not construct your puja room either exactly above, below or close to a toilet.
• The overhead water tank for storage of water should be in the west or south-west zone of the building.
• A family with a round or oblong dining table will suffer disharmony and end up in not eating together.
• Having improper position of the entrance or obstruction in front of the gate can reduce the prosperity to a great extent.
• Improper position of the bedroom or the bed brings unhappiness in the marital life and causes disturbed sleep.
• Having a toilet or a fireplace in the north-east corner of the house can ruin it financially besides mental tension and quarrels amongst family members.
• Do not have the kitchen in the north-east, south-west or center of the house. A kitchen in north-east leads to mental tension, waste of money and losses. A kitchen in the south-west escalates losses and clashes at home. A kitchen in the center of the house is worst and can be very troublesome.
• Keep all electrical appliances like microwaves, ovens and mixer-grinders in the south-east zone of the kitchen.
• Do not keep water and fire next to each other in the kitchen.
• The cook/person working at the gas stove should not have his or her back towards the kitchen entrance.
• Kitchen walls should be painted in a light colour. A soft pink, orange or cream colour scheme works well.
• The gas stove represents the state of finances of a household. The gas stove should be kept clean and well looked after. The burners should be kept unblocked and regularly in use.
• The gas stove should not be visible from the main entrance.
• Bedrooms should not be located in the central portion of the house. The brahmasthan in a house attracts a lot of energy, which
is not conducive to the main objective of a bedroom providing rest, peace and tranquility.
• The ideal direction for placing the head while sleeping is south; north is totally prohibited. Sleeping with head towards east is allowed for children and students.
• The stairs should not be made in the north-east or brahmasthan. the preferred area of location of the staircase is in the west, south-west or sough. Steps should begin from north or east. The number of steps should always be odd and should never end in zeros like 10, 20, 30, etc. The stairs should not turn anti-clockwise and move from south to north or west to east.
• The internal staircase in a house should not be directly opposite the front door. Also take care that the external staircase is not directly opposite the main entrance.
• The main entrance should be well lit and appear welcoming.
• Keep clutter to a minimum. Avoid crowding rooms with too much of furniture and artefacts. The house should appear cheerful, spacious and aesthetic.
• The front door should open inwards. Have a threshold especially for the main entrance.
• Allow plenty of light and air into all rooms, even the ones not used regularly.
• Do not sit, sleep or work under overhead beams.
• Arrange the furniture in such a way that the north and east as well as the brahmasthan of the rooms are kept light and free. Have heavy furniture in the south, west and south-west of the rooms. Lighter furniture can be kept towards north and east of each room. • Keep beds in the south-west of the bedroom. Keep head towards
south.
• Have lofts and attics in the south and west side of the rooms. • Cupboards containing cash, jewellery, cheque-books and valuables
• For small homes making a separate puja room in the north-east may not be feasible. A north-east corner in the study room, kitchen or dining room can be used for this purpose.
• Allow plenty of natural light and fresh air within your house. Gloomy and dark houses collect a lot of negativity.
• Never move into an unfinished house.
• There are certain dates when neither muhurtha nor auspicious time is required and without consulting any astrologer one can start construction or move into a new hose. These days are Akshay Tritiya, Phulera Duj, Vijaya Dashmi and Vaisakhi.
House Planning and interiors
Remedies and Solutions
The relationship of directions with planets, colours, metals and stones gives great variety and multiple dimensions to Vastu remedial measures. In addition, simple remedies like proper distribution of elements within the house, proper placement of furniture, water bodies, electrical and electronic gadgets, relocating doors with the help of aids like wooden screens, mirrors, etc., opening a window or shuffling rooms between the family members can bring about a balance within the house.
Water, wind, light, metals, plants, herbs, pyramids, crystals, colours, etc. serve as catalysts for rectifying the cosmic alignment of a house. Changes brought about by these remedial measures guide the inmates of the house to positive relationships, satisfaction in all endeavours, happiness, bliss and divine grace.
Certain Alternatives for House Planning
Certain corrections can be brought about by the right positioning of various rooms in the house. In case the positioning of the rooms is not exactly as per Vastu, here are some important tips for an alternative positioning of these rooms.
NW NNW N NNE NE 2 3 4 5 6 WNW 17 7 ENE W 16 1 8 E WSW 15 9 ESE 14 13 12 11 10 SW SSW S SSE SE Alternatives for House Planning
• Living-room, family room, puja room, courtyard
• Granary, kitchen, bedroom, guest room, garage, toilets, septic tank, place to keep cattle/pet animals
• bedroom, living-room, dining room, study, septic tank, water tank • Treasury, study, reception, water tank, well, boring, pump,
living-room basement, puja living-room, lawn, children’s bedliving-room
• Medicine room, bedroom for daughters, main entrance, well, pump, borewell, puja room, lining room, basement, portico
• Puja room, well, boring, water tank, verandah, living room, drawing room, portico, lawn, basement
• Well, boring, pump, puja room, store, basement, lawn, main door • Bathroom, store, puja, balcony, lawn, children’s room, study
• Kitchen, stairs, toilet, bathroom, boiler, generator, invertor, main switch board
• Kitchen, office, portico, garage, toilet, lawn, generator, boiler, geyser
• Store, bedroom, dining room, stairs, toilet
• Bedroom, store, stairs, overhead water tank, tall trees • Toilet, store, bedroom, overhead water tank, big tall trees
• Store for heavy items, raw material stores, master bedroom, machine room, stairs, overhead water tank, trees
• Study, bedroom, store, staircase, toilet, trees
• Dining room, water tank, toilet, stairs, trees, children’s bedroom • Main entrance, living-room, bedroom store, portico, kitchen, septic
